Google and CyArk Team Up To Preserve Endangered Historical Landmarks in VR

Google is doing its due diligence to help preserve important historical sites around the world, so that future generations can still feast their eyes upon them later on in life. To do this, the company has joined with the nonprofit 3D laser scanning operation CyArk in a joint effort called the Open Heritage project. The initiative will use CyArk's laser scanning tech to take all the important data from each historical site in need of preservation so that it can be explored at a later date via virtual reality headset, PC, or other device.

For instance, CyArk and Google are working to map the Ananda Ok Kyaung temple in Bagan, Myanmar after it suffered a devastating amount of damage back in 2016. CyArk sapped the site ahead of the disaster, so anyone wishing to take a tour of the location can do so as an interactive 3D tour. There are a whopping other 24 other locations taken from 18 countries also being worked on, including the Al Azem Palace in Syria and even Mexico's Chichen Itza, formerly a Mayan city.

CyArk has been at work on its preservation efforts for 17 years since 2001, and with Google's help, it can do a lot more than what it was already dong solo. Along with the sites that have been irreparably damaged, CyArk is also working to help preserve areas that are continually damaged by tourist wear and tear. No matter the reason for the locations being torn down, it looks like this partnership is doing important work for future patrons of each area. And you thought you were doing important work making memes in VR Chat.

Fueled by horror, rainbow-sugar-pixel-rushes, and video games, Brittany is a Senior Editor at Shacknews who thrives on surrealism and ultraviolence. Follow her on Twitter @MolotovCupcake and check out her portfolio for more. Like a fabulous shooter once said, get psyched!